There was hardly any other way, than the above, to describe the response of Anguillians to the 48th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution and Anguilla Day – not just at the official parade at the James Ronald Webster Park on Monday, June 1 – but during the month of activities leading up to the parade as well. There was indeed a sense of patriotism and pride across the island,” as the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, remarked in his national address.
That island-wide response culminated at the Webster Park where the overall assembly of persons, and particularly the varied smartly-attired uniformed contingents, presented a remarkable picture of nationalism and beauty, with the vibrant national colours of the island also popping up almost everywhere.
Those colours were also emphasised during a dance, mainly depicting the Anguilla Revolution, presented by members of two of the island’s leading performing groups – The Klassique Academy of Dance and Forward Within Dance. The performance, in which one set of dancers wore Anguilla’s national colours, was staged for the first time. It was narrated in part by Mr. Don Mitchell.The Anguilla Day programme was chaired by Ms. Aurjul Wilson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who welcomed the gathering to the event.
The parade comprised contingents from the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Her Majesty’s Prison, Anguilla Fire and Rescue Services, Security Guards, Scouts, Cub Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders and schoolchildren. The uniformed bodies were inspected by the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, accompanied by Police Commissioner, Mr. Rudolph Proctor, and Sergeant Brian Best, overall commander of the parade. During the march past the salute was taken by Governor Christina Scott and Mr. Banks who stood on the dais.
Seven persons were presented with the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen Certificate either for their role in the Anguilla Revolution or their contribution to the social development of the island. The presentations were done by Chief Minister Banks assisted by Miss Anguilla 2014/2015, Shereena Richardson, and Ms. Shaldine Brooks of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The awardees, in order of the presentation, were: Mr. Henderson Smith (Revolution), represented by a family member); Mr. Synric Fogle) Webster (Revolution); Mrs. Violet Harrigan (Revolution); Mr. Hubert Hughes (Social Development and Politics); Mr. Irvin Phillips (Social Development: Entrepreneurship); Mr. Audley Almair Carty (Social Development: Construction), represented by a family member; and Mr. Clement Banks (Bankie Banx) (Social Development: the Arts).
There were three addresses – by Governor Scott, Chief Minister Banks and Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmavon Webster. The texts of the speeches are printed elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian.
